Friday, August 17, 2012

Ready for some home cookin'

US Presswire photo

The Nats have more home games the rest of the season than anyone in the majors.

Much has been made of the Nationals' best-in-baseball road record, which following an 8-2 trip through Houston, Arizona and San Francisco now stands at 41-23. That's a better road winning percentage, by far, than any team in the majors has at home, a stunning fact when you stop and think about it.

One point, however, hasn't been made about the Nationals' prowess away from the District: They've played more road games than anybody in the sport.

Which also means they've played the fewest home games, which could prove quite the advantage as the final stretch of a remarkable season fast approaches.

Indeed, 27 of the Nationals' final 44 games are scheduled to be played on South Capitol Street, a nice little bonus for a club that already has done everything it can to position itself for a postseason berth.

Based on what we've seen over the last 4 1/2 months, the Nationals are perfectly comfortable playing wherever they are instructed to play. And certainly they aren't going to take for granted all these home games down the stretch.

But as the final leg of the regular season arrives, we are about to find out just what type of environment the Nationals (and everyone else in the sport) can expect from a town that hasn't experienced a pennant race in three generations.

Interest and attention in this team has progressively increased since Opening Day. Overall, the Nationals are averaging just under 30,000 fans per game, which ranks 14th among MLB's 30 clubs.

But the numbers keep getting larger. Over their last 33 home dates, the Nats are drawing an average crowd of 33,053. That's a 32 percent increase from this point last season.

There's every reason to believe those numbers will continue to climb. A six-game homestand against the Mets and Braves would typically draw well regardless. But with the Nationals returning home from the best road trip in club history and holding a four-game lead in the NL East, there's all the more reason for attendance to swell. The same theory should hold true later this month when the Cardinals and Cubs come to town.

It's no secret the Nationals' fan base is growing. MLB announced this week local television ratings are up 67 percent this season, the largest increase in the sport. There's been ample opportunity to watch this team on TV because so many games have been played on the road.

Now, though, the Nationals are gearing up for 27 home games in 48 days. The ballpark should be as electric as its ever been in its five years of existence.

This is when a team and its following establish its true identity, when the bond between players and fans grows and everybody lives and dies with each pitch. It may reach a crescendo sometime in late-September or early-October, when the outcome of every game really matters. And if all goes well, it reaches an entire new level after that.

What will that identity look and feel like? We don't know. Barely anyone in this town has experienced something like this before. It will have to develop organically over the next six weeks.

The process begins tonight. And for those who have waited a lifetime for this, it's not a moment too soon.

It would be SO nice, with the product on the field having improved so dramatically, if they would please seriously tone down the noise and nonsense of the "entertainment" off the field. If it was ever needed before, it sure isn't needed now. Exciting baseball is THE reason most people go to Nationals Park, not to watch Clint, etc., fill up every spare moment.

yup, it is turning into a real baseball crowd. Even workers have stepped it up. My section at least does not let people down between innings and the beer guys seem to understand we are watching the game and do not need extended time to decide if we need a beer. Even food stands have upped their game this year. Amazing Stan talked the talk but but never git these things done. Winning was always what it was all about. Stan never really understood that we wanted real baseball first.

With as great as they are playing, coupled with how bright their future is looking, it will soon be the games will average even higher over the next couple of years. Can this "not a baseball town" soon be realizing the possibility of total sellouts night after night? Even one year ago that thought wouldn't have crossed our minds. I hope when it happens that the game day only left field seats will still be under the same policy.i wonder what happens with those $5 game day only seats if we host playoff games?

Some sad news on this happy day for old Senator fans. Dan Daniels, former Senators play-by-play announcer has passed away. An obit in today's Washington Post. Too bad he won't be here for the 2012 playoffs. RIP

Welcome home, boys! We missed you (you, too, Mark). We have a couple of other obligations tomorrow, with an early rising time, but will be at the park on Sunday. I think we're in the left field mezzanine for that one but would have to check the tix.

Checked out the StubHub offerings for a friend last night and based on the prices and numbers of tickets, it looks like there are going to be some big crowds at the park this weekend-- in the dog days of August when DC is supposedly all on vacation.

Bright Lights, Big City - bring it on!!! Any roster move announced yet? The Prince William county fish wrapper, truly a bad newspaper, actually had a story about Craig Stammen today, bragging about how his time in the PNats made him what he is today. Pretty nice, but the caption on his picture says, "Washington Nationals closer Craig Stammen". At least they are trying to get into the act. One of the things that is amusing me now is when media entities that previously ignored that Nats start getting interested. It's nice, but they often get things more than a little mixed up. Time for them to step it up and join the party. I heard Danny on 106.7 yesterday and he is the only one on that station that is truly out of his mind with excitement. You can hear it. Hope it's contagious.

Bryce does need some love. I really think his only job this season should have been surviving a big league season. Can't even imagine the pressure on the kid. The out of town media and fans just seem to swarm him. I hope his kid camp yesterday boosted his spirits.

I have been excited for some time but just reading here, you can tell that people are really up!

Responding from late last nights post and not wanting to be #258 or whatever. Thanks to Drew & Peric for the info on California. Peric, I am biking when I get there!! One of my ex-swimmers bikes that area almost daily so I am in for a treat.

222 - while I have been offered the strips, I have not made that jump. As pRAA mentioned, with renewal and the playoffs its a huge chuck of money and I haven't decided. I am just happy my playoff seats are in 308! Not sure how they did that when I am only on a 20 game plan.

eHay & Michelle, I plan to be at Justins Saturday but with Metro you can never plan a time. Sometime after 5:30

Have they announced who is going to be moved for Ian?

and finally Mark - your comments yesterday were spot on. Thank you for all you do!

Mick - I am telling you, Craft drafts at Justin's during happy hour are just $3! Of course on the week-end it gets a little more pricy but you can't beat it (except the crowds now are stupid, they actually turn people away now which is amazing, just like our team!)

Watched CMW pitch, he went 4.2 (removed in the 5th after getting 2 out, I assume for pitch count reasons). 2 earned runs.

Got off to a bit of a slow start, putting the first two on but then induced a DP and got out of it.

The runs came in the third, with a lead-off double and a sac bunt. Then a "triple" that should really have been a sac-fly (misplayed). And then another sac fly.

In the fourth he got two quick outs on "routine" fly balls--which major-league hitters might have done better with--and you could see he was getting less effective. Pitching coach came to the mound, but left him in. Long, long at-bat resulted in a walk, and then a groundout.

The sinker was definitely sinking but he had trouble keeping it in the zone (a lot were outside), so that ran up his pitch count. They didn't give velocity. His curve was really nifty. Threw a few breaking balls that weren't that great but I think he was more focused on the fastball and curve.

Mark, nice post, you've really captured the spirit of the moment for this old (Se)Nat(or)s fan (since my family moved here in the early 60s. It really is a unique moment unlike anything else I've experienced -- all other sports teams I've loved that finally won it all were in the hunt for years before. (I know, premature, I'm just exulting in the glow of the moment.)

Thanks, JayB, for turning on the positive vibes. And with getting Desi back, Jesus deserves the chance to start tonight.

I am just happy my playoff seats are in 308! Not sure how they did that when I am only on a 20 game plan.

I think they got a lot of complaints after Opening Day when they relocated a lot of the IF Gallery 20-game folks like myself to OF seats under the scoreboard. They promised comparable seats. The OF seats may have been comparable seats in price to IF Gallery, but otherwise no way. If they had tried to make us buy those seats for an entire 13 game playoff run there would have been a mutiny.

So for the playoffs they have given me my regular seat in 309. I guess the guy who has my seat for another one of the 20-game plans got bumped somewhere else. Hopefully not the OF.

308, fortunately, i have a group that helps with the cost. Believe me, I couldn't afford all these tickets on my own. Just a word to the wise though that if you're even considering getting the extra strips, you should request them right away to reserve the best seats available (and then make the decision by 8/31).

The presale of single game tickets, which as I understand it will be available only to current STHs who renew for next year, will take place sometime after we clinch a playoff berth. You don't have to purchase the two extra strips to be eligible for that, but you do have to renew for 2013. So that's another option to score some additional tickets if you don't want to get the extra strips.

Which reminds me of something. 106.7 recently did a feature spread out over a week or so where they ranked the 80 greatest Redskins ever. They had some deep-voice announcer reading dramatic text about them, five at a time a couple times a day. I happened to hear one of the segments on my ride home from work one day. Talking in his most dramatic voice, the announcer dude proclaimed that whatever guy he was talking about was drafted by Redskins GM Bobby Beat Hard. Even funnier than when Lavar talks about Capitals owner Tad Leonsis.

Looking at the schedule, the next 10 days is when we need to pad our lead against the Braves. From 8/27 through 9/30, the Braves play exactly 3 games (Nats) against teams north of .500. Meanwhile we have 7 games against the Cardinals and 3 against the Dodgers in that same time frame.

Welcome back, Desi! We've missed you. I will be there tonight. I'm also finding that I need to get there earlier than before. I've never seen the park so crowded! It used to just be opening day.....now it's everyday. Just reserved my playoff tickets today. I just explained to my husband that it was NECESSARY for my well-being to be there. The Mets will be anxious to play spoiler just as we were in years past. Let's get out there and get that wonderful offense cranked up! Det.....throw the game of your life. Baseball gods.....keep the rain away. GYFNG!

I just did the PCH drive last week from Santa Monica to Reedsport, Oregon. Here were my thoughts: I agree with Peric that there's not anything great until you get past Santa Barbara. In fact I'd suggest taking the 101 until you get past there. After that, I liked Cambria, Pismo Beach, and the 17 mile drive in Monterey south of SF. San Francisco was about the coolest big city I had ever visited. It was my first time, and I was just blown away by the topography, architecture, atmosphere, and spectacular views on the Bay. North of SF, we cut inland to see the Redwoods. That was pretty cool. I also liked Mendocino - a pretty little coastal town with lots of arts and crafts. The whole coast in Northern Cali and Southern Oregon had multiple breath-taking vistas. We finished with a family reunion in Loon Lake Oregon, a mountain lake about 30 miles inland from Reedsport - also very beautiful.

On baseball, I'm hoping the Nats send TyMo down for two weeks and keep Izturis. Their lack of MI depth still concerns me.

I sadly leave town on business for the next five days and am not even within internet range where I am going. Missing these next games is going to be hard. I hope to at least dig up a paper to read about it.

Sorry I missed your comment yesterday and maybe you or others made this point too. The flip side of the argument is that they will be short a right-handed power bench bat for two weeks. If they are facing a LH reliever they have no "hairy-chested" guy to send up there. Lombo, Izturis, and the back up catcher will presumably be the only RH bats on the bench - not much power there.

World Series is on Fox. That's over the air. One of the LCS is on TBS and the other one is on Fox. They alternate years. This year the NLCS is on Fox and the ALCS is on TBS, so you luck out on that. Wild card and NLDS/ALDS games are all on TBS, though, so you're screwed there.

Water -- Don't think it's a requirement. My guess is that generally the NLCS and World Series games on Fox will be broadcast over the air (Channel 5), but not the ones on TBS (or MLBNetwork). Here's the playoff schedule, which shows what games will be carried by which networks. Kind of interesting that Fox is carrying the NLCS, not the ALCS. You'd think they'd want the Yankees...

However, I'd be shocked if one of the local stations, like Channel 50, or even one of the local network affiliates, didn't pick up the TBS feed if the Nats are playing in the NLDS.

On the playoff tix, would be happy to re-up a 2013 mini plan for a shot at 2012 postseason seating. Since we only make it to 10-12 (day or Sunday) games per year, I'd end up burning half the tix if I bought a 1/4 season plan. Plus, I'm not all that flush with cash. That said, I don't guess they'll be offering any future mini-plan deals when they can get folks to spring for full, 1/2, or 1/4 season plans. Boohoo, I guess it might be tv for me. :'(

However, I'd be shocked if one of the local stations, like Channel 50, or even one of the local network affiliates, didn't pick up the TBS feed if the Nats are playing in the NLDS.

Ghost Of Steve M. said... Detwiler will now pitch Friday and EJax on Saturday

August 15, 2012 2:38 PM

Zection 3, My Zofa said... Ghost, so does that line up Strasburg for Tuesday vs. ATL?

Fri=Detwiler, Sat=Jax, Sun=Znn, Mon=Gio, Tues=Strasburg?

August 15, 2012 2:41 PM ________________________________

I'm hearing the switch to Detwiler tonight and EJax tomorrow is done.

Davey not announcing yet whether to further align Gio to Monday for the Braves.

I think it would be a good idea if they don't think JZ could benefit from the extra day of rest as that also puts Gio on a 7 man rotation schedule as they also essentially did that with EJax with the move to Saturday.

Water23: I'm in a similar situation (don't have cable because we don't have a TV). Last year, MLB.tv offered a 'playoff package' that allowed you -- for a reasonable fee, although I don't remember the exact amount -- to watch the playoff camera feeds. Not the cable broadcast, mind you, but the camera feeds. It was like you were in the control truck, in that you could choose which camera shot to highlight or you could have two or even all four on at once. It was also kinda odd in that you didn't get any audio, but that was also kinda a blessing if you know what I mean. Be aware, however, that the option only existed for the playoffs. For the World Series you have to find a sports bar.

Took the day off yesterday from NI to body surf one last day with the great whites and wow 5 million and 37 comments later. So to quickly catch up to the quickening pace:

Seamhead: I did think Espi/Lombo would work, but truly never thought Ian would have the year he's having. Think Ian is up a week or so too soon, but expect to see Lombo playing more LF. Hope Espi has Ian's year next year. Hope Ian has Ian's year next year and think he will. These scouts are great judges of talent!

NatsLady et al--Think TyMo will go down for 2 wks too, to play LF daily and get his at bats.

SJM--Nats'll get needed rest at home coming off all the travel, but hope they can keep their edge with the dangerous feeling that home games are easier to win.

Re: September Callups--Yes it's a playoff race, but don't underestimate these guys' ability to shine in focused situations--especially in most cases, before opposing teams get a bead on them. I think of Det last September, and look forward to timely moments from Brown, Garcia, Perez bunting. Lannan I believe will be real good overall in the short term w/a couple great critical games and a game or so where he loses focus. TyMo will follow his recent history of raking when he returns to the team.

Re shutting Stras down: We'll play with even more EDGE knowing we did the right thing and sat him but now have to go w/o him. Edge=Focus that picks up extra base that picks up extra run.

Re Rizzo's Plan:Natsnut/Unterp--Great comments agreed to w/a twist. This IS a magical year--So the arguments not to sit SS will always nag. But:1) Rizzo's plan is the right one given innings/pitches build up per year on a young arm and2) I agree w/Bobby Knight's timeless advice to play the game the way it's supposed to be played and the wins will sort themselves out. So3) Maybe we don't have the magical year next year--which is part and parcel of the definition of "magic." But to have a Plan--a Code--and therefore an Identity--like the great teams we have loved through the years in all sports--that's why we really watch. The reason all us NIers agree on shutting Stras down is we feel it's the right thing to do. How many fans have a GM who leads in such a way? We see it, feel it, get it and subscribe. I'd rather follow a team like this than a bought team that I don't relate to at all but wins a WS. Plus4) this is how dynasties are founded, on a solid foundation of work, talent, and the confidence gained from sticking to the plan. Finally5) I believe we will steal this WS w/o Stras. And I think we'll play in another one or two in the next 6 years. I've said this since February. This is the Win/Win--sit Stras and win. Avoid the triple lose--to pitch him and not win the WS--ruin him for the future--and lose our sense of integrity that we panicked and took the desperate path that we all no is not the one we should take. Those who say we should take this path--are outsiders so heck with them!

Re Morse's streak: What a perfect encapsulated symbol for this TEAM: a guy who doesn't care about streaks b/c he's realized it's not the numbers that count--but who pushes a hitting streak long and hard enough to make others create still another talking point about short term MLB decisions etc that can affect the integrity of the game. Lots of good examples here with Rizzo, Davey, Stras, Morse--even all the Nats Insiders comments/and commentors. Magical Season.

Now I must pack up the house/body surf 3 more hours with the great whites/ and drive home. Sweep the Mets. GYFNG!

Hopefully, the luck continues to hold out and there are no injuries but don't be surprised to see Ryan Perry and not just Lannan ... Zach Duke definitely deserves a call up but he needs a slot on the 40-man and it doesn't appear to be in the cards. Yet he keeps pitching like its going to happen any minute now. Yet, its almost a foregone conclusion that they will be finding a slot for Christian Garcia. It'll be interesting.

Looks like Brian Goodwin may have been yanked early in a AA Harrisburg game for not hustling by LeCroy. That's not a good sign at all.

I agree that Duke has done well but where do you find a spot for him. Perry is already on the 40 man.

CM Wang who has not done well at all would be my first guess for Garcia. Given Duke, and Maya who is also on the 40-man and solid, plus Lannan they don't really need Wang. Duke was a ML All Star and left-handed so its not like they need to see any more of Wang and his one pitch pony. Never hear Davey mention him anymore. I would suspect they put Wang on the 60-day to keep him away from other teams at least for this season. But who knows what they'll do with him at this point?

They are not going to let HRod go. They aren't going to release DeRosa. Maya has pitched solidly and is still on contract for another 2 million. They are definitely not going to let Solano go except in a trade.

Natlady - not sure you are aware but those stars & stripes passes are a little tricky in that you DO NOT have an actual seat. All that does is get you into the fancy bars (which have great pictures of baseball cards!). In past years it was fairly easy to snag a seat as the ushers sort of looked the other way. This year, in my experience (twice) I was not allowed to sit but had to stand in the back. Maybe down the baselines its a little more relaxed but not behind home plate.

Mick - not leaving until we go on the road and I return for the Dodgers (miss the 18th but will be here for the 19th). With red carpet, season ticket exchange and my 20 game package I have 14 games left plus the trip to California, life is really good. All that is necessary now is sitting down to the World Series "IN PERSON"

Rendon has had all of 12 at bats. With 1 hit and 3 strike outs. He is still adjusting its seems ... looks like they found a level to challenge him. Which is good. Given that he was considered a better hitter than Bryce Harper that probably won't last long.

Peric - I think you nailed it and I agree about Wang. I wanted so badly for him to do well but that ship has passed and I think the 60 day dl is the right move. Maya has always scared me but I have to admit that for the last two months he has been solid. I am also pleased that Duke hung in at the AAA level. That has to mean something to management. I just don't see how they get him onto the 40 man roster. Also agree on HRod & DeRosa although I can't see either on the playoff roster. I do think DeRosa in the dugout is a huge plus for us and some of our youngsters really listen to his advice. Sort of gives us an extra coach. Does anyone know what the rules are during the playoffs as far as dugout numbers? I would hate to think that Strasburg or DeRosa would not be allowed.

Zach Duke is a Free Agent next year and not sure if Rizzo wants to go through making a spot for a player who won't be under team control next year.

Agreed. But he's not pitching like he is a one-year-and-done hired hand. His is putting everything he has into it and a 14-5 record is nothing to sneeze at even if it is in AAA. Rizzo is the type of GM to notice things like that. But what do you do with him in the majors? They've had no signifcant injuries? There's the Stras shutdown and that's it.

BUT, Duke was the most effective left-handed starter in their minor league system this year bar none. And in the NL East a left-hander is just what the doctor order. He's just down on the pecking order under Lannan and Maya.

Just looking at the schedule comments from folks around DC and even though we have 27 of 44 at home and only 16 games against winning teams, the Braves have only 16 games left against teams with a winning record as well.

They also have the Rockies and Padres on their schedule for 6 while we have 4 against the Cubs.

Here's Rendon's stat page. The 1 for 12 isn't the hot start we were hoping for.

No, not at all like the other levels. But, I'm sure Doug Harris is happy that they found a level to challenge him and enable him to learn. That's the key in the end. I don't think he'll end up like Goodwin who may now be in a bit of hot water with management.

Diz is the latest to mention what games the Nats and Braves have left. Someone posted recently the Nats' records against the NL East teams, including 8-4 against Atlanta. So the two teams have played perfectly even against all of MLB -- the difference is the head-to-head. Should be a good race!

peric, yep, neither under contract after the season and the Nats made both into better baseball players and won't reap a thing off of them as they walk as Free Agents. I suppose they could try to re-sign Rivero but does it make sense given the backlog at other levels.

It happens and more often to the good teams that they cut guys like Duke loose.

Been in the car a lot today and while it's surprising to hear Nats, Nats, Nats on the radio, it's getting nauseating that there is only one subject. Ok, NI friends - why isn't anyone boiling mad about the Morse hit streak thing. The more I think about it the madder I get. That Prima Donna pinned an error on his teammate and that teammate is JROll! Just to bring his era down a tick? First he plunked Harper, it came back on him and when he came back here the fans let it go. I know the Nats pitchers don't plunk people, but he should be peeing his pants at his first at bat and he should at the very least be booed and have his feet moved significantly off the plate. A bruise with some stitch marks on a nice fleshy area would be fine, too. Where is the outrage? He is a whiny baby piece of crap. While everyone else has been all-stras, all the time, I have been seething about this.

Duke's numbers are OK; they are not anything to write home about and Duke has enough of a history in the big leagues where we know who he is. He is definitely good enough to be a bottom of the rotation pitcher in the big leagues but not on our staff.

That's my point; they need time and reps and they don't need to be set up for failure in the big leagues just yet.

Bryce Harper is an extra ordinary talent without question but he is looking very ordinary in the big leagues right now. Not because he's injured or frustrated or tired; he's just isn't ready yet to dominate at this level.

JD, the problem with the Nats are pitchers who will be a #5 in waiting for next season as I don't see that player from within the system so Rizzo will have to find another Zach Duke/John Lannan type of guy to pitch in AAA next season.

Ghost Of Steve M. said... JD, I would agree with Goodwin not being close but I think Rendon is a natural and just needs time. The question is how much time.

That's funny. Seems like just yesterday you were saying that Rendon was ready for a September callup and chiding me for saying he wouldn't be called up. Why aren't you reposting those comments of yours now like you do all the other times when you happen to guess right on something?

Duke's numbers are OK; they are not anything to write home about and Duke has enough of a history in the big leagues where we know who he is.

Compared to Lannan's he looks like an All Star ... well he was this season ... albeit he is just one up now in quality starts. Lannan is tied with Maya for second with 11 quality starts.

Duke just finished a streak 19 straight scoreless innings. The only reason it didn't go further may be because he had a longish layoff between the 8th and 9th due to a rain delay. He's not a power pitcher but he looks pretty solid and sure, he would be a left-handed bottom of the rotation starter.

Seems like just yesterday you were saying that Rendon was ready for a September callup and chiding me for saying he wouldn't be called up.

Oh I don't know it sure seems like just yesterday Davey was saying Rendon's swing "hunts at any level". That he just needed to prove he was in baseball shape. There's still plenty of time between now and the first of September and like Bryce Harper Anthony Rendon is a special talent.

Peric, was it Goodwin who didn't hustle yesterday so a sac fly turned in to a "triple"? Am too lazy to go back and look at the video again.

He didn't bother to slide to break up a double play. Its kind of Bush league but LeCroy did to him what he did to Perez in Potomac. Waited until they took the field the following inning and then replaced after he was out there and set up ... in front of everyone.

peric, isn't Leon hitting like .400 in 'Cuse. When you say Solano looked better, do you mean defensively?

Yes, which really surprised me! Solano had a lot of energy back there and looked like a mini-Pudge. One could see why he was Randy Knorr's favorite catcher when he managed the Chiefs, yes even over Flores.

IMO Solano looked way more solid receiving than Leon (he didn't look great but Leon looked over matched).

If you want the hot hitter you probably go with Leon as he will rarely have to catch but if you want someone who can catch with the game on the line and you want your pitcher to throw all his pitches then Solano is probably a better choice at this time.

I can only speak for myself, swami, but personally, I rarely get exercised about any hitting streak, let alone a piddling little 20-some-game streak. A few guys do it every year, and they're often not even good hitters.

Also, Hamels didn't change the scoring -- he asked, and someone agreed. That tells me it was a close call to begin with ... which only points up how fluky these streaks are anyway.

I don't think either will be with us next year and really I don't see any one in AA other than Perry that should move up. (I am not buying Rosenbaum).

I think you can pick up Duke type pitchers to pitch in AAA late in the spring but I'm more interested in who fills out our rotation next year. I think Rizzo will want another EJax type signing for a year or 2 giving Meyer time to graduate and I don't think he'l mind over spending for a short contract because the big 3 are still relatively cheap.

I posted on this since Monday... give it time, if Morse hits 40 games, then all the talking heads will begin to put pressure on MLB to look again at the Phillies game. Until then, let's relax. This actually takes pressure off Michael, i think.

It's not that I think the hit streak is so important. The fact that Morse is hitting is a joy to behold. It's the tackiness of the move. We just happen to be in the same division, they just happen to be having a horrible season - and the fact that he would hang an extra error on his own teammate - a veteran, to pad his own era. It's not that what he did hurt us, although it was crappy to Morse, it's just the downright lack of class that bothers me. He's such a jerk. But then, we knew that.

Yeah, Dibble - what can you say? On the one hand he says Stras is nothing special.Then he says the nats will never again in the universe have a chance at the post season unless they keep pitching him right now. Which is it? He is very unstable and will do anything to get attention. Last time I checked, his career wasn't that special. Couple of decent years.Pretty short and riddled with injury. Perhaps if his organizations had handled things better? He acted like Zambrano before Zambrano, and he is still at it.

JD, that was my point on the pipeline but I show Perry out of options also.

Yup. That's why I believe Rizzo and Johnson are going to bring him back up for a look see and John Lannan might not see as many starts as he might think he will. They have to find out if he is worth keeping on the roster or not.

You know he gets picked up as soon as he's released.

I can see all three of Rivero, Duke, and Perry going to the Orioles. They would take them gladly I bet.

Swami, concur that the Hit Streak issue will come to bear when Beast's streak is up in the 30's. I have no doubt that some of the stat based bloggers/reporters will start the chants as he gets more hits. And wouldn't it be great if he got there around the time say when a pitcher runs out of innings?

I know it is off topic, but I just wanted to thank all of you for the good baseball conversation (ok, GENERALLY good baseball conversation ) here at NI. I'm not a huge poster, but I read this and several others every day. And I think this is the best bunch. I've noticed recently that the washpost (NJ) has gotten really chippy again, and ESPN is almost unreadable for me. Thanks again. GO NATS!!

MIchele - we could use a diversion. No word on roster moves yet? Tick, tock! Been checking around mlb - one city in particular. It feels to me like the Barves are always at home - sure wish they were going to face Kershaw. Trying to face facts that they are going to continue to dog us every step of the way.

McR-rich -- welcome to the (usually) civil conversations. Glad to have a new imaginary friend! Ok - share, how long have you been a fan, who is your favorite nat, who did you grow up watching? Don't be shy - no one else is!

Wow, looks like Boras had a lot more of say in the Nats roster than I thought! Another case of Boras going directly to ownership as he did for Werth. This time it was EJax ... instead of signing long-term with the Pirates they took a 1 year gamble with the Nats and a part of that was to eat Strasburg's innings after he got shutdown? Wow.

That's probably a good call Scooter, I've taken your advice. I've posted it in the past without incident, but why tempt fate. Maybe the spammers don't think this crowd would be much of a market for get rich quick schemes, body part enhancements, or cheap prescription drugs.

Mark tweets this: "Don't need DL for playoffs. They can use anyone on 40-man roster (provided they were acquired by Aug 31)."

Isn't it true that you don't even have to be on the 40-man to be put on a playoff roster, as long as there is a corresponding 40-man roster move at the time? So there's hope for Zach Duke to start and Christian Garcia to close game 7 of the World Series yet!

looks like Boras had a lot more of say in the Nats roster than I thought! Another case of Boras going directly to ownership as he did for Werth. This time it was EJax ... instead of signing long-term with the Pirates they took a 1 year gamble with the Nats and a part of that was to eat Strasburg's innings after he got shutdown?

When Rizzo signed EJax, he said it was because they had an innings shortage that needed to be filled. Who did you think he was talking about, Lannan?

Since EJax has left Boras, looks like Nats won that gamble and Boras lost.

He does not seem terribly invested in being called up in September. The kid is confident, and has a bit of a chip on his shoulder, and knows his time is coming soon. Like a lot of under-sized guys, he likes to prove his critics wrong. I suspect that innate Natitude appeals to Davey.

I would not be that surprised to see him here in September. Davey lobbied to get Harp promoted early, and this situation is similar. Harp was not producing in the MiL, but they brought him up, anyway.

@Swami - I've been a "lurker" for years and followed that Nats from the beginning. Never felt much need to comment more than 2 or 3 times a season...case in point I haven't commented since things changed to having to use a google profile, rather than creating a handle (and I can't remember what I used). It just hit me today, after the Dibbs stupidity, that this is where I stay to read the comments (have always loved Mark's work), especially since the return of the O's trolls over at NJ. And I followed the O's since the 70's, so it seems pointless to me why they would troll like that, but whatever.

I would not be that surprised to see him here in September. Davey lobbied to get Harp promoted early, and this situation is similar.

Not a similar situation at all. They needed Harper beacuse the team as a whole was not hitting, and Zimmerman was going on the DL. That was why they decided to short-circuit his development plan. They don't need Rendon at all in September. If he gets a callup, he'll be sitting on the bench 99% of the time. That's not a reason to skip the Florida Instructional League where he can continue to develop and get in shape for baseball.

Well how about that? Victory lap time for that idiot 222. I have a feeling we'll here in a little while that he's accepted an assignment to Syracuse. Who wouldn't want to be back on this team in September?

It is similar in the sense that Davey wanted Harp, and he apparently wants to see Rendon, as well, regardless of the merits.

"They don't need Rendon at all in September."

Even if true, that is utterly irrelevant. They really don't need Harp, now, either. They would, arguably, be a better-hitting team without him. So do you think they will send him down? Or send him to the Florida Instructioinal League to get his stroke back?

"If he gets a callup, he'll be sitting on the bench 99% of the time. That's not a reason to skip the Florida Instructional League where he can continue to develop and get in shape for baseball."

Irrelevant, again. He does not need to learn how to hit. He is already the best hitter they've got in the MiL.

He could be learning things just sitting on the bench with his future teammates during a pennant race that the guys in Florida, as good as they are, simply cannot teach in an instructional league.

They don't need Rendon at all in September. If he gets a callup, he'll be sitting on the bench 99% of the time. That's not a reason to skip the Florida Instructional League where he can continue to develop and get in shape for baseball.

Rendon can get in great baseball shape with the team in September even if he doesn't play often. The major league experience might prepare him better for the Arizona Fall League which is the current milestone not the Florida Instructional League where Goodwin and Destin Hood will likely find themselves.

Davey is going to want to see Rendon for himself. Whether you like it or not truculent meme Davey doesn't entirely trust the reports he gets from scouts and minor league coaches. He likes to see for himself and make his own judgements. And that judgement will feed into the roster makeup for next season.

Davey doesn't entirely trust the reports he gets from scouts and minor league coaches. He likes to see for himself and make his own judgements. And that judgement will feed into the roster makeup for next season.

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About the Author

Mark Zuckerman has covered the Nationals since the franchise arrived in D.C. He's been a member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America since 2001 and is a Hall of Fame voter. Email mzuckerman@comcastsportsnet.com.